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Malik Zaire | Quarterback

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Notre Dame redshirt freshman QB Malik Zaire went 12-for-15 passing for 96 yards and a touchdown and ran for 96 yards and another score in Tuesday's 31-28 victory over LSU in the Music City Bowl.

Zaire couldn't have played much better in his first collegiate start, coming against one of the nation's best defenses, to boot. Everett Golson, meanwhile, went 6-for-11 for 90 yards off the bench. After Brian Kelly decided to start Zaire in this game, and Zaire clearly outplayed Golson, it would be a surprise if Golson returns to school next year. He could opt into the draft, but a horrible two-month-plus stretch of football has decimated his stock to the point that it wouldn't be a surprise if he went undrafted. Golson could also transfer and retain immediate eligibility as a graduate. Tue, Dec 30, 2014 07:38:00 PM

Notre Dame redshirt freshman QB Malik Zaire will start over Everett Golson for the bowl game against LSU.

"Brian Kelly says 2014 is the primary concern about this game -- winning it is more important than prepping for 2015," JJ Stankevitz tweeted. Kelly has previously said both quarterbacks will play, however, this might mean Kelly is expecting Zaire to start next season. We think that would push Golson to the NFL. Zaire received his first major game action in a blowout loss to USC, completing 9 of 20 attempts for 170 yards. He added a rushing touchdown. Mon, Dec 29, 2014 02:34:00 PM

Meanwhile, Everett Golson threw for 154 yards on 13-of-24 attempts and also rushed for a TD. Zaire told the media in late March that he would "without a doubt" beat out Golson to become starting QB. This was a good start in the direction. The left-handed Zaire is trying to become the first southpaw QB to start a game in school history. Sun, Apr 13, 2014 09:53:00 PM

Notre Dame true freshman Malik Zaire told the media that he will "without a doubt" beat out Everett Golson to become Notre Dame's starting QB.

"There will only be one guy starting on Aug. 30th against Rice at Notre Dame Stadium, there will only be one guy out on the field, and I believe that will be me," he said. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has stated that it's an open competition. Whoever he chooses will give the offense a running dimension absent with 2013 starter Tommy Rees. "It's always about finding that consistency at that position," Kelly said. "It's just going to take some time. I don't have a timetable on it. I'll know when it's running the right way and it's smooth. It's not there yet." Zaire, a southpaw, is trying to become the first left-handed QB to start a game in Notre Dame's history. Sat, Mar 29, 2014 07:34:00 PM

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Notre Dame redshirt freshman QB Malik Zaire will start over Everett Golson for the bowl game against LSU.

"Brian Kelly says 2014 is the primary concern about this game -- winning it is more important than prepping for 2015," JJ Stankevitz tweeted. Kelly has previously said both quarterbacks will play, however, this might mean Kelly is expecting Zaire to start next season. We think that would push Golson to the NFL. Zaire received his first major game action in a blowout loss to USC, completing 9 of 20 attempts for 170 yards. He added a rushing touchdown.

Meanwhile, Everett Golson threw for 154 yards on 13-of-24 attempts and also rushed for a TD. Zaire told the media in late March that he would "without a doubt" beat out Golson to become starting QB. This was a good start in the direction. The left-handed Zaire is trying to become the first southpaw QB to start a game in school history.

Notre Dame true freshman Malik Zaire told the media that he will "without a doubt" beat out Everett Golson to become Notre Dame's starting QB.

"There will only be one guy starting on Aug. 30th against Rice at Notre Dame Stadium, there will only be one guy out on the field, and I believe that will be me," he said. Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has stated that it's an open competition. Whoever he chooses will give the offense a running dimension absent with 2013 starter Tommy Rees. "It's always about finding that consistency at that position," Kelly said. "It's just going to take some time. I don't have a timetable on it. I'll know when it's running the right way and it's smooth. It's not there yet." Zaire, a southpaw, is trying to become the first left-handed QB to start a game in Notre Dame's history.